DANIEL Rich should be a walk up start in your NAB AFL Fantasy Team next season.
Rich [MID, $365,500] averaged just 67.44 Fantasy points per game in 2013, but you can be confident that number will rise dramatically in 2014.
A series of injuries limited Rich to 16 games last season and his season-high Fantasy score of 87 is a little concerning, but he's a player who is ready to take the next step with his football in 2014.
Tom Rockliff has been an Fantasy favourite over the years and that looks set to continue next season.
Rockliff is far and away the most expensive Lion [MID, $558,800] in the competition, but for good reason. The vice-captain was the only player at the club to average above 100 (103.10) Fantasy points in 2013.
Ruckman Matthew Leuenberger was a popular pick last season, given his bargain price of $233,600.
But his impressive 2013 has brought with it a $228,000 price leap. Fantasy coaches who remain committed to Leuenberger can select him in 2014 for $461,500.
Young midfielder James Aish is certain to feature prominently in many teams next year. Aish, who was drafted by the Lions with pick No. 7, has a lofty price tag of $246,600.
The 18-year-old played regular senior football in the SANFL last season, including a Grand Final for Norwood, and is a monty to earn regular games in his first year under Justin Leppitsch.
Pleasingly, second-year gun Sam Mayes has retained his dual position status. Mayes has an asking price of $395,100.
Fantasy pundits should also keep an eye on Claye Beams. Beams suffered a serious knee injury before the 2013 season started, but he has already showed his talent at AFL level.
The younger brother of Collingwood's Dayne can be picked for $187,400 in 2014.
Twitter: @AFL_BenGuthrie
